The Real Reason Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Are Stepping Out Separately

It's all a part of the plan.

Earlier this month, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle put their love on display in a new video speaking about a cause they hold dear to their hearts: online safety. Their joint appearance, during which Harry sweetly held his wife by her waist, has become a bit of a rare occurrence in the past few weeks. While they each appear to be thriving, attending engagements they feel passionate about, royal onlookers can't help but notice they've been stepping out solo quite a lot recently. So, why does it seem like the royal couple are on separate tracks?

For Meghan's part, she made a surprise appearance at the grand opening of a new bookstore called Godmothers alongside Oprah Winfrey in September. She then supported her best friend, Kelly McKee Zajfen, at the Children's Hospital Los Angeles Gala in October, once again without her husband. Most recently, she attended the launch of Highbrow Hippie, a new hair growth line by her friend and long-time colorist, Kadi Lee, in Venice, California.

Prince Harry's solo engagements included the Clinton Global Initiative in New York back in September as well as a visit to Jimmy Fallon's Tonightmares in the Big Apple and the Wellchild Awards in London, England. Other royal take a big trip to Southern Africa, while this month, he traveled to Canada alone to chat with kids about mental health and attend a sports game. He also received a neck tattoo from Jelly Roll as part of promotion for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025. In previous years, Meghan has accompanied her husband to the Invictus Games. Harry also plans to solo host a special Christmas video call as part of his role as Global Ambassador for charity Scotty’s Little Soldiers.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have some individual projects in the works, as well. The Suits alum has been working to launch her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, and a Netflix cooking show. Harry will launch his own Netflix series on polo.

Markle and Harry's decision to pursue separate professional endeavors is all a part of the plan, as the couple is choosing to be united in private but pursue their individual projects in public.

“It’s clear that a twin-track approach is evolving," a friend of Markle and Harry's told People.

A royal insider agreed, noting that the spouses are likely experiencing personal fulfillment these days.

"The Duke and Duchess have now hit their stride as individuals—not just as a couple. The Duke appears focused on his patronage work, and the Duchess focused on her entrepreneurial track," the source added.

The Sussexes still have their future as a couple and a family on their minds. They recently purchased a vacation house in Portugal, which will allow them and their kids, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3, to maintain their royal ties, as Harry's cousin Princess Eugenie also owns a home in the country.